The title, ABCV is abbreviated to mean ABC Vegetarian. Jean George, chef, and culinary gastronome owns restaurants around the country, with a few more locations in NYC. His first ABC kitchen lies in the ABC Carpet and Home store on 38 east, 19th street. Vegetarianism is quite trendy today so opening a veggie-forward restaurant was a successful idea. I had never been to a vegetarian/ vegan eatery, but I really wanted to delve into this one, another seemingly unique concept like the other Jean George restaurants.
I always wear a hat to NYC, something I started doing when I was younger. I only own two good hats though, one for winter and one for summer. Of course, this hat seems a bit pretentious, but it was actually a hammy down. Posing the Sparkling Rosewater Lemonade next to my hat was just a way for me to say "I have landed at my eating destination!" I was waiting for my friend and mentor Alison Awerbuch, while seated at the bar enjoying this "prim and proper" lemonade. A combination of bubbles and lemonade that will probably become my new favorite combinations.
The essence of the restaurant was feminine, and I really liked that. Every detail, from light fixtures, chairs, tables, and plates were relatively dainty with a splash of pastel shades of pink, bright white, or neon yellow. The restaurant aesthetic was beautiful. Every decoration matching the variety of colors on each appetizer or entree; it just flowed you know?
The beets were fabulous. Before I went to ABCV I watched a video on how to make this dish. I don't think I could imagine anyone utilizing a tortilla press for something this brilliant. Chef de cuisine Neal Harden seeps flavor all over the dish; under and over the beets and within the avocado mash. This meal was delicious, and yes I was satisfied.